Meiosis I and Meiosis II both consist of how many stages?

Meiosis I and Meiosis II both consist of four stages. In each meiotic division, the process follows a sequence where specific events occur in a prescribed order.

During Meiosis I, the four stages are prophase I, metaphase I, anaphase I, and telophase I. Prophase I is particularly notable because it includes the complex interactions of homologous chromosomes, including crossing over, which increases genetic variation. Metaphase I lines up paired homologous chromosomes at the cell's equator. Anaphase I involves the separation of these homologous chromosomes, and telophase I leads to the formation of two haploid cells.

Meiosis II then occurs and includes another set of four stages: prophase II, metaphase II, anaphase II, and telophase II. Prophase II involves a brief preparation for the second division in the haploid cells. In metaphase II, chromosomes align at the cell equator again, while anaphase II sees the chromatids being pulled apart. Finally, telophase II results in the division of the two haploid cells into four genetically distinct haploid gametes.

Thus, both meiotic processes contain four distinct stages, resulting in a total of